Bangkok transit
 

Hi:

I have a 8 hour transit in Bangkok.
Is it possible to do anything for the
8 hours? Can you take a quick tour of
the city from the airport?

How long does it take to clear immigration?
How long to get to the city and back?
Can I get a cab to the Grand Palace and back?
How long does it take to clear immigration on the way out?

Thanks
Goodflyer

1 minute to 30 minutes, from my experience.

If you use a toll way, I would say 30 minutes one way.

Yes. After clearing customs, you will see a sign for taxis. You need to pay 50 baht extra for taking a cab from there.

1 to 3 minutes.

The only problem you might face is you might get caught in a traffic jam. It's a rainy season now. It pours all of sudden in the afternoon or evening. When this happens, it gets so bad.

But I think eight hours is long enough for a city tour.

Make sure to avoid all the people shouting taxi at you. They are the rip-off taxis. Just take a normal taxi from the queue and make sure he turns on the meter.

If you are in transit, a Thai massage is a MUST! You will feel much, much better for your next flight.

I was just going to post this sugestion as well! From what I recall, the "real" taxis are outside the terminal area - you'll see a stand. They write out a slip with your destination and hand it to your driver.

Oh, and do be sure that the meter goes on! I got into a number of metered taxis and they would start negotiating with me! My favorite line was "after 1 am, we don't use meters!" I just got out and found another.

I would allow more time for passport control on the way out. The officials can be and generally are very slow. All depends on time of day.

Remember that once you exit the air side area, you'll have to pay a departure tax.

As for the way back, make sure the meter is used.

Set aside 500THB for the departure tax.

Last time I took a cab from Conrad to the airport with tolls is about 210THB.
But that depends on traffic. I left around 1:30pm on a Sat afternoon.